Annie Ruth was born in Clinton, North Carolina, September 17, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Henry R. and Hattie P. (Fennell) Boykins. Annie Ruth attended school in Bolivia, N.C.
She was a dedicated member of Bethel A.M.E. Church of Reading, Pennsylvania, where she loved singing in the mass choir and serving in the soup kitchen. Annie Ruth was also a member of the Hostess Club, participated with fundraising and a faithful member of the adult Sunday school . She was always willing to help out where needed until the time of her illness. Annie Ruth enjoyed cooking and sewing as her hobbies. Annie Ruth received the C.P.A.A.M. award presented by the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum. She was last employed by Aramark, where she retired with accolades.
Annie Ruth was preceded in death by two sons, Sammy L. and Jervis Boykins. Three brothers, John Henry, McCrae Sr. and McKinley. A sister, Sarah (Boykins) Berry and sister-in-law, Joyce E. Boykins and brother-in-law, Bobby Berry.
She is survived by three daughters, Debra A. Gumby, of Pottsville, PA; Pearl H. (Gumby) Barnes, of Reading, PA and DeNiel M. Blake, of Reading, PA. Five sons, Theodis A. Boykins, of Reading, PA; Jeffrey Gumby, of Muhlenberg, PA; Ernest M. Gumby, of Allentown, PA; Robbie Gumby, of Reading, PA and James J. Blake, of Reading, PA; Thirty-nine grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren. Annie Ruth is survived by one sister, Omeda H. Boykins, of Rochester, NY.
Annie Ruth is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and Ruby Martin, of Reading, PA. Annie Ruth will be greatly missed. She was loved by many.
A Celebration of Annie's Life will be Tuesday February 23, 2021 at 1pm in Theo C Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading. Burial to follow in Charles Evans Cemetery. Viewings will be Monday February 22, 2021, 6-8pm and Tuesday 11-1pm in the funeral home. www.theocauman.com
